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MacOS Remote Worker Agents - Command Line Parameters

Instructions on how to perform a mass deployment of MacOS NetBeez agents via command line parameters.

Written by Panickos Neophytou

Introduction

The MacOS remote worker agent by NetBeez supports mass deployments via software management suites such as Intune. This guide reviews available parameters that can be used to enable or disable certain options, such as naming the agents as they appear on the NetBeez dashboard, enable auto-start, auto-update, etc.

After installation, all these options can be modified manually by right-clicking on the NetBeez tray icon app.

Available Parameters

Flag

Description

Possible Values and examples

--autosetup (optional)

Determines whether the “Automatic setup” or “Manual setup” radio button will be selected.

Default: 1

  • 1 - Automatic setup with secret key

  • 2 - Manual setup with ports and certificate

--secretkey (required)

The secret key for your account which can be found on your NetBeez dashboard by going to Settings -> About page.

Example:

  • --secretkey=caafc19ae7214fb5nb18111a21031cf0f423c599

--certsource (required when --autosetup=2)

Sets the “Certificate file” input field value.

Example:

  • --certsource="/Users/user_name/Documents/cert.pem"

--dashboardurl (required when --autosetup=2)

Sets the “Dashboard URL” input field value.

Example:

  • --dashboardurl="acme.netbeezcloud.net"

--port - (required when --autosetup=2)

Sets the “Port” input field value.

Example:

  • --port=20019

--secureport (required when --autosetup=2)

Sets the “Secure Port” input field value.

Example:

  • --secureport=20018

--websocketport (required when --autosetup=2)

Sets the “Websocket Port” input field value.

Example:

  • --websocketport=443

--agentname (optional)

Sets the “Agent name” input field value.

Default value: The name of the machine you are running the installer on.

Example:

  • --agentname="John-Laptop"

--uuid (optional)

Sets the “UUID” input field value.

Default value: a new random UUID will be generated
Example:

  • --uuid="A2A4E8E8-AB20-461B-A771-7372744F46DB"

--autoupdate (optional)

Sets the “Auto update” checkbox to on or off.

Default value: 1

  • --autoupdate= - the agent will NOT update automatically on a new release

  • --autoupdate=1 - the agent will update automatically when a new release is available

--startonboot (optional)

Sets the “Start on boot” checkbox to off or on.

Default value: 1

  • --startonboot=0 - the agent doesn't start on boot (the user must start it manually)

  • --startonboot=1 - the agent starts on boot

--installgroup (optional)

Set the “Install for all users” or “Only current user” radio button will be selected.
​

Default value: 1

  • --installgroup=1 - the agent is installed for all users

  • --installgroup=2 - the agent is installed only for the current user

--launchapp (optional)

Determines whether the desktop app is launched after the installation is finished.

Default value: 1

  • --launchapp=1 - the app will launch after the installation

  • --launchapp=1 - the app will not launch after the installation

--versionvalidation

(optional)

Determines whether the installer and updater validate whether their corresponding server can support the agent version that is being installed or available for updates. If not supported, the installation/upgrade fail.

Default value: 1

  • --versionvalidation=1 - the agent version will be validated

  • --versionvalidatio=0 - the agent will not be validated

--disablecontrol

(optional)

Determines whether the desktop app makes available the Start/Stop/Restart/Exit options.

Default value: 0

  • --disablecontrol=1 - the controls are not available

  • --disablecontrol=0 - the controls are available

--requestlocationservices

(optional)

Controls whether the installed desktop app presents a one-time explanation asking the user to allow Location Services for enhanced Wi-Fi diagnostics.

  • --requestlocationservices=1 - Ask the user after installation

  • --requestlocationservices=0 - Do not ask the user

Note:

The --requestlocationservices option does not grant Location Services permission. Apple requires the logged-in user to approve the macOS permission dialog. MDM tools cannot silently approve this permission for the user.

When enabled:

  1. The installer records a one-time permission-request policy.

  2. The NetBeez desktop app displays an explanation at its next interactive launch.

  3. Selecting Enable Wi-Fi Diagnostics opens the macOS Location Services consent dialog.

  4. Selecting Not Now dismisses the request without repeatedly prompting on subsequent launches.

  5. If permission was previously denied, the app provides an Open System Settings action because macOS will not display the system consent dialog again.

If Location Services permission is not granted, the agent continues operating normally. Wi-Fi scans still run, but macOS may redact SSID, BSSID, and related Wi-Fi security information.

The option controls only whether the user is prompted. It does not control scan routing:

  • When the app has permission, the agent automatically uses the app to obtain complete Wi-Fi information.

  • When permission or the app is unavailable, the daemon automatically performs a limited fallback scan.

  • Server-initiated scans never trigger a permission dialog.

If permission was granted previously, --requestlocationservices=0 does not revoke it.

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